Coronavirus (COVID-19) is currently ravaging societies across the globe. Air travel has ground to a halt in an attempt to prevent the spread of the infectious virus. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has once again shown they are world leaders in crisis response by organizing several rescue flights. Hundreds of Emiratis have been returned home from countries that are currently being overrun by the Coronavirus.
The UAE prioritizes the safety of its citizens
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) has put in place an operation to return Emiratis to the UAE. 39 rescue flights have successfully returned Emiratis to their home soil. 1,743 citizens safely repatriated. MoFAIC has a further 25 rescue flights planned over the coming days.
On the 23rd of March, the UAE called for all students studying abroad to return home within 48 hours. Students across the globe coordinated with local UAE embassies to make their way back to the Emirates. So, Most of the students who were abroad are now safely back in the UAE.
Even though some citizens forced to remain abroad due to exceptional circumstances the UAE are still providing care and support. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared that “Caring for our citizens at home and abroad will remain a subject of great attention” on his Twitter account.
Air travel in uncertain times
All across the United Arab Emirates passenger flights are currently grounded. Authorities announced that they would be suspending all non-cargo flights on the 23rd of March. As well as, the suspension is for a 14-day period. As we get closer to the end of the suspension period the policy will be reviewed and extended if it needs to be.
The UAE is working hard to ensure that its citizens remain safe from the viral outbreak. In addition, taking measures to restrict travel has proven to be one of the strongest strategies that we have against the Coronavirus.
